December 18, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

December 18, 2022 - Advent 4  Behold

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, today we pause to behold You who came into our world to be our Savior.  Keep us beholding You all the time in our lives so we stay connected with You forever.

Hymn 23

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: Stir up Your power, O Lord, & come.  Take away the burden of our sins/ & make us ready for the celebration of Your birth,/ that we may receive You in joy & serve You always;  for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (sing) Amen. 

 Epistle: Romans 1:1-7

Jesus is true man, descendant of David, born of Mary, yet proven to be  the Son of God by the resurrection.  He came & was born to live & die & rise so we might be saved by grace. 

   1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are 

among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.  7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:    Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Verse: Alleluia! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.  Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia! x3 pg 18

Gospel: Matthew 1: 18-25

 Mary fulfills the sign given through Isaiah.  Joseph’s example urges us to live in obedient faith.

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 

Apostles Creed, front of hymnal, page 19

Hymn 24 

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-14

The Lord’s gracious sign that the virgin will be with child, given to  unbelieving Ahaz underscores God’s grace to sinners. 

  10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.”  12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.”  13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

  Theme: A sign to show how God deals with us sinners

 (2 Ki 16:5)  Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem and besieged Ahaz, but they could not overpower him. {6}At that time, Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram by driving out the men of Judah. Edomites then moved into Elath and have lived there to this day. 

{Is7:2}Now the house of David was told, "Aram has allied itself with Ephraim"; so the hearts of Ahaz and his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind.

{3}Then the LORD said to Isaiah, "Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Washerman's Field. {4}Say to him, 'Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood--because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. {5}Aram, Ephraim and Remaliah's son have plotted your ruin, saying, {6}"Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it." {7}Yet this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'It will not take place, it will not happen, {8}for the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is only Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be too shattered to be a people. {9}The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah's son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'"

{10}Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, {11}"Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."  

{2 Kings 16:7}Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, "I am your servant and vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me." {8}And Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the temple of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. {9}The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death.          

(Sing) “Create in me…., front of hymnal, page 20

Thankoffering The members of St. Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 123

Special prayers; Lord’s Prayer, front of hymnal, page 20 

Hymn 36; Continue on page 25, front of hymnal

Hymn 47, verse 5

December 11, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

December 11, 2022 - Advent 3 – Rejoice

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, today we rejoice because You give us the privilege to talk about You to people.   Today we rejoice because You give us the privilege of listening to You tell us about Yourself.  Thanks.

Hymn  20              

Morning Praise, front of hymnal page 45

Epistle: James 5:7-11

 James urges us to temper our joyful anticipation of Jesus’ return with patience. The prophets are examples of patience. The Lord’s mercy brings blessings.

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!  10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Hymn 703

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-15

John sends for an evaluation of Jesus.  Jesus gives an evaluation of John. 

           2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”  7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear. 

Hymn 14

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Job 1:6-22

Because of Jesus we rejoice over the physical blessings that come from the LORD, rejoice that the LORD is in control, and even rejoice when the LORD withdraws physical blessings.

6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” 9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” 12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. 13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” 20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Sermon Theme: Rejoice

       1. In the Lord’s Physical Blessings

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for making it possible for me to rejoice in my life on this earth by filling my life with physical blessings.  

       2. That the Lord is in Control

       3. When the Lord withdraws His blessings

Prayer: LORD JESUS, even when I have torn robes and a shaved head, help me rejoice because I have You.  Change that.  Because You have me (in your strong hands.)

Hymn 5

Thankoffering The members of St. Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Continue page 50 

Prayer: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ,/ & come with the good news of Your mighty deliverance.  Drive the darkness from our  hearts/ & fill us with Your light; for you live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/one God, now & forever. 

Special Prayers         

Continue page 50-51                        

Hymn 552:12 

December 4, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

December 4, 2022 - Advent 2 – Prepare

Prayer Before Worship -  Our Sunday School students are preparing for the worship service on Christmas Eve.  We are preparing for our celebration of Your birth.  Don’t let us ever stop preparing ourselves for Your coming into our hearts on a daily basis.

Hymn 11

Service Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal page 26

Prayer: Stir up our hearts, O Lord,/ to prepare the way for Your only Son. By His coming give us strength in our conflicts/ & shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.  

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-10

 Isaiah describes the Coming One, endowed with the Spirit, bringing  peace.  His rule is perfectly righteous.  We(the poor) find deliverance.

 1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.  He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.  6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.  10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

Verse: Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight paths for Him. All mankind will see God's salvation.  (Sing) Alleluia......pg 30 

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

 John the Baptist: “Repent.....Prepare.”  Those given the Spirit stand in the Judgment & enter the kingdom of heaven by grace.

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” 4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.  11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 

Hymn 16 

Sermon Text  & Epistle: Romans 15: 4-13

Paul directs us to live the peace of the Lord by showing love, patience, and acceptance of one another.  This is accomplished as we place our trust in the God of all hope & so are filled with joy & peace in Christ.

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” 10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again,  “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”  12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Theme: All I want for Christmas is

1 Hope  2 Unity  3 Joy and Peace

Prayer: Lord, please use the Scripture to give us hope.  Please use the Scripture to give us unity.  Please use the Scripture to give us peace and joy.

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering The members of St. Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32 

Special Prayers; Lord’s Prayer, page 32; continue page 33

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St. Paul’s & other  WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with the usher after worship. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.                      

Hymn 27 during distribution

Continue page 36                                         

Hymn 13

November 27, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

November 27, 2022 - Advent 1 – Watch

Prayer Before Worship -  Lord Jesus, as I watch all the decorations put up all around me, & as I watch the commotion grow,  help me also to watch out that I don’t lose sight of You.  Help me to watch for Your return too.

Hymn 1

Service of the Word, front of hymnal page 38

Prayer: Stir up Your power, O Lord, & come.  Protect us by Your strength/ & save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5

Isaiah describes the peace the Lord will send through the Messiah.  This peace will extend to all nations through the Gospel.   It will find its  ultimate consummation at the return of Jesus.

1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:   2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. 5 Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. 

Psalm 18, front of hymnal, pg 69 

God provides security while we watch.  No enemy can win.

Epistle: Romans 13: 11-14

Jesus’ return at the end of time calls us to patient watching as we live our faith in the daylight of godliness.

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Verse: Alleluia!  He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia .....pg 40

Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

We are to be ready for Jesus’ return at all times.  Ordinariness &  regularity should not lull us into complacency.  The Lord will come.

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.    42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 

Hymn 25

Sermon Text:  Psalm 18 (verses in CW: 2,16a,17a,19,28,27,35

  {2}The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. {16}“The Lord reached down from on high and took hold of me; {17}He rescued me from my powerful enemy.” {19} “The Lord brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.”  {27}“Lord, you save the humble, but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”  {28}You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning.  My God turns my darkness into light.  {35} You give me your child of victory, and your right hand sustains me

           Theme: The LORD gives light so we can watch

1. I can see Him     

2. I can see enemies   

3 I can see how to walk

Prayer: Lord Jesus, continue to lead us into Your Word/ so that Your Light makes us able to see You,/ see our enemies,/ and see how we ought to walk.  Then we will be able to keep on watching.

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

Thankoffering.  The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  However, we do ask that  everyone introduce yourself to our church family.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 42 

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 15 

Continue page 43, front of hymnal

Hymn 22 

November 20, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Christ the King - Nov 20, 2022

Jesus conquered our enemies. He is King. Jesus rules over all things in our best interest. He is our King. Jesus is in charge of my life. He is my King.

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for putting me into a democracy in this world. But thank You for not putting me in a democracy for eternity. It’s much more comforting to know my eternity rests securely in the arms of You, my Almighty King.

Hymn 217 Common Service, pg 15

Prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ,/ by Your victory You fill our hearts with joy & peace/ as we look with hope to that day/ when every creature in heaven & earth/ will acclaim You King of kings & Lord of lords/ to Your unending praise & glory; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 23:2-6

Jeremiah foretold the righteous Branch of David, our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only by His righteousness, transferred to us by His perfect keeping of the Law, that we enter the kingdom of heaven.

2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. 3 “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. 5 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness.

Psalm 98, page 103, front of hymnal

Christ’s righteous reign over all things will bring forth universal praise

Epistle: Colossians 1:13-20

Our King is supreme. His excellence is shown in the way He reconciled all things to the Father through the shedding of His blood.

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Apostles Creed, pg 19

Hymn 216

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 23: 35-43

Our King’s most regal work was done so we could reign with Him forever.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” 38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.]” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Sermon Theme: He shall reign forever and ever

1. Does He look like a King?

2. What kind of a kingdom does He have?

“and He shall reign forever and ever.”

Sing: Create in me.... pg 20

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourself to our church family.

Prayer of the church , pg 131

Special Prayers, Lord's Prayer, pg 20

Hymn 341

Continue pg 25

Hymn 218

November 13, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Saints Triumphant November 13, 2022

God helps us to be triumphant over our spiritual enemies in this life. When we are with the LORD in eternity, there will be no enemies to be triumphant over.

Prayer Before Worship: Lord, we always look to You for victory. We need victory over our spiritual enemies in this life. Thank You for the promise to give us that by finally making us eternally triumphant with You.

Hymn 337

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah describes the great resurrection of all believers to eternal life as an endless time when God’s chosen people will suffer none of the ravages of sin we currently do.

17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. 19 I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.

20 “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21 They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant

vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them. 24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.

Psalm 150, front of hymnal,, page 122

Our praise for God on earth is an imperfect predecessor of the endless praise we shall have for Him in heaven.

Gospel: Luke 20: 27-38

To the Sadducees who rejected the resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives a picture of what eternal life will be like. God is the God of the living. We will one day live with Him.

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

Hymn 212

Sermon Text: Epistle: Rev 22:1-5

Jesus gave John and us a look at what being triumphant forever with the LORD will be like.

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Theme: Saints Triumphant over

Darkness

Eph 5:8. Once you were darkness, but now you are light in the LORD.

Gen 2:6 Streams watered the whole surface of the ground. 10 A river watering the place flowed.

Gen 2:9 In the middle of the garden( of Eden) were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Prayer: LORD Jesus, thank You for making us winners.

Hymn 208

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourself to our church family.

Continue page 50 front of hymnal

Lord's Prayer

Prayer: Almighty God & Savior,/ You have set the final day & hour/ when we shall be delivered from this world of sin & death. Keep us ever watchful for the coming of Your Son/ that we may sit with Him & all Your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.

Special prayers

Continue Prayer for Grace bottom page 50

Hymn 219

November 6, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

November 6, 2022 -Last Judgment

Prayer Before Worship -Lord, lead me to lift up my head with joy because my redemption is drawing near. As I live each day, looking forward to Your coming, remind me that the best of life is yet to come.

Hymn 209: 1-3

Word and Sacrament front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Lord God Almighty,/ so rule & govern our hearts & minds by Your Holy Spirit/ that we may always look forward to the end of this present age/ & to the day of Your righteous judgment. Keep us steadfast in true & living faith/ & present us at last holy & blameless before You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 26:1-6

We attempt to be a tool in God’s hand to call people to repentance so they don’t become receivers of God’s eternal punishment.

26 Early in the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the Lord: 2 “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. 3 Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from their evil ways. Then I will relent and not inflict on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done. 4 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city a curse among all the nations of the earth.’”

Hymn 209: 4-7

Epistle: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Those who reject God’s grace in Jesus Christ will be shut out from God’s presence forever.

5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. 6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 10 on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.

Hymn 207:1-4

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 19: 11- 27

This parable emphasizes the reality of Christ’s second coming in judgment. Christ calls on us to be faithful with the Gospel with which we have been entrusted.

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ 14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ 15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. 16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ 17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ 18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ 19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ 20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ 24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ 26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.

Sermon Theme: Proper Preparation for Parousia (2nd Coming of Jesus)

1 Patience

2 Action

Matt 20:21 Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

3 Awareness

Prayer: LORD JESUS, help me to wait patiently for You, and be aware that not everybody is going to want You as their King, so that in spite of rejection I keep working at sharing Your word while I am waiting

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourself to our church family.

Prayer of the church pg 32, Special prayers, Lord’s Prayer

Continue pg 33

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith ( 1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with the ushers. We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation.

Hymn 316 during distribution

Continue, page 36 Hymn 207:5-6

October 30, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

October 30, 2022 Festival of the Lutheran Reformation

The LORD grants us people in every generation whom He uses to proclaim and preserve His truth. Luther was one of them. We are called to be others of them.

Prayer Before Worship - (By Martin Luther) I know & confess my great sin & my terrible ingratitude. I have horribly neglected Your precious Word & have been lazy, unwilling to hear it. I have not desired it nor ever given proper thanks for it. My dear God, I have often allowed You to preach in vain to me. I have left this precious treasure to slip away from me, & I have stepped on it. With pure & divine goodness You have tolerated all this & have never stopped on account of this to preach & call with fatherly divine love & faithfulness that my soul be saved. I am sorry for this, & I pray for grace and forgiveness. Amen.

Hymn 199:1-2

Confession of sins: Lord God, all satisfying Father,/ we have received everything from You. The means of grace - the Bible, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper -/ are some of Your generously given satisfying gifts. Despite all of Your bounty,/ we have often given little or no respect to these wonderful means. We have taken them for granted. We have forgotten to use them. And at times we have even rejected them altogether. We beg Your forgiveness for these sins.

Absolution: As one called by you and by God to serve you with God’s Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper, I assure you that the blood of Jesus Christ has purified you from every sin against the means of grace, as well as from every sin against any other command of the Lord.

Response: Lord, bountiful God,/ You so richly load us down with Your benefits. We thank You and praise You for the blessings You continue to pour upon us. Surely we must join Paul in saying, “Lord, You have supplied all our needs.” We ask You to help us to use those blessings for our spiritual benefit and for the spiritual growth of those around us.”

Psalm 46, page 84, front of hymnal (Basis of hymn “A Mighty Fortress)

God is within us, upholds us through His Word & is exalted in the world.

This Psalm inspired Luther to hold to God’s truth even though opposed by all the authorities in church and government.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, our Refuge & Strength,/ pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in Your Word, / protect and comfort them in all temptations,/ defend them against all their enemies,/ and bestow on the Church Your saving peace; / through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives & reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now and forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 31:31-34

The Lord’s new covenant of forgiveness is based on the merits of Christ.

31 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by

the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,”declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.

I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Hymn 199:3

Epistle: Romans 3:19-28

Righteousness apart from the law through faith in Jesus saves us.

19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Hymn 199:4-5

Sermon Text & Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:27-35

27 This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.) 31"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: " 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' 33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' 35But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

Sermon Theme: Thank the Lord for His servants because of

1. Their message

Prayer: Lord Jesus thank You for using Martin Luther to restore to its rightful position in the church the Biblical message of Law and Gospel.

Hymn 201, vs 4

2. Their Work

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for using Luther to bring Your Word and Sacraments to the people of his day and through their descendants to us.

Hymn 201:3

3. Their Life-style

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for using Luther to remind us that Your Word is also our standard for lifestyle issues.

Hymn 201, verses 1-2

Final Prayer: Lord, please continue to raise up servants whose work is to teach us Your Word and how to apply it to our lives.

Apostles' Creed, front of hymnal, pg 19

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. However, we do ask that everyone introduce yourselves to our chuuch family.

Prayer of the Church, Hymn 203

Special Prayers

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Hymn 199:6-7

October 23, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Oct 23 2022  - Pentecost 20 Theme: Faith

Prayer before Worship:  Holy Spirit, come through Your Word and promises, which alone can drive away my doubts and fears.  Direct me to my Savior Jesus that I may trust in Him with my whole heart. 

Hymn 347 (Epistle)

Service of Word , page 38

Prayer: Almighty God,/ in Your bountiful goodness keep us safe from every evil of body  & soul.  Make us ready, with cheerful hearts,/ to do whatever pleases You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now &  forever. (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Habakkuk 1:1-3; 2:1-4

 Our complaints about violence and injustice are answered by the Lord’s promise to reveal His truth and His call on us to believe it.  

1 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. 2 How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 2:1 I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. 2 Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. 4 “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faith—

Psalm 27, front of hymnal, page 75

   We trust in the Lord based on His trustworthy deliverance.

Gospel: Luke 17: 1-10

 Faith can do great things like forgiving one who has sinned against us.

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” 5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. 7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Hymn 444 (Epistle)

Sermon Text: Epistle: 2 Timothy 1:3-14

 Paul asks God to fan into flame Timothy’s faith 

(3)  I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. {4} Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. {5} I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. {6} For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. {7} For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. {8} So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, {9} who has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, {10} but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. {11} And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. {12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. {13} What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. {14} Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Theme: We live by faith

  1. We prayer for others  

  2. We encourage each other  

  3. We testify about Jesus

  4. We hold onto Scripture

{Matt 24:35}My Word shall not pass away.  

Prayer:   Lord, please help us to keep living by faith.  

Apostles' Creed, front of hymnal, page 41 

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  However, we do ask that  everyone introduce yourselves to our church family.

Prayer of church, front of hymnal, page 42

Special Prayers 

Lord's Prayer

Hymn 424 (Old Testament Lesson) 

Continue page 43

Hymn 493 (Gospel)

October 16, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Oct 16, 2022  Pentecost 19 - Theme: The Good Fight

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, so many things try to distract me from You.  Help me to fight against them.

Hymn 281 (reflects the punch line in the Gospel lesson)

Common Service,  pg 15, front of hymnal

Prayer: Mercifully grant, O God,/ that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct & rule our hearts,/ for without Your help/ we are unable to please You; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen.

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

As sinful human beings we tend to focus on our own little corner of the world instead of being concerned about "all people"  and to be quiet about the truth that Jesus is the only way to be right with God so people don't think we are intolerant.  We need to fight against both of  those attitudes.  

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.   

Verse: At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Alleluia!     (Sing) Alleluia.........page 40

Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31

It's easy to focus on the good life.  It's also easy to think that the Bible is just a book and something else would work better to bring people to Jesus.  We need to fight against both of  those attitudes.  

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets(=the Old Testament Scriptures); let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets(=the Old Testament Scriptures), they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Nicene Creed,  front of hymnal, page 18

Hymn 235 (replacement for the Psalm of the day 146)

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Amos 6:1-7

Attachment to worldly things makes us spiritually complacent. We must fight against that. 

1 Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!   2 Go to Calneh and look at it; go from there to great Hamath, and then go down to Gath in Philistia.  Are you better than those kingdoms?  Was their land larger than yours?  3 You put off the evil day, and bring near a reign of terror. 4 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.  5 You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.  6 You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions,  but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.  7 Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end.

Theme: God's tremendous blessings for this life may lead to

1. Lack of Appreciation 

Prayer: LORD, thank You for filling our lives with earthly blessings.   Please don’t allow us to become complacent.  Don’t let us take things for granted.  Most importantly,/ don’t ever let our feeling of security lead us to a lack of appreciation toward You/ in spite of all that You have given to us. 

2.  Refusal to Repent   

Prayer: LORD, thank You for filling our lives with earthly blessings.  Please don’t allow us to refuse to listen to You as You call us to repent. 

      3. Lack of Spirituality

Prayer: LORD, please don’t let all these earthly blessings push our relationship with You into the back seat.  Please don’t let us focus on them and abandon You.  Don’t let the abundance of Your earthly blessings lead to a lack of spirituality in our lives.    

Sing: "Create in me....." pg. 20 front of hymnal

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the Church, page 131, Lord’s Prayer, page 20

Hymn 457 

Continue on page 25 front of hymnal

Hymn 293 (We need to fight to keep the Word correctly presented) 

October 9, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 18: Using our Money to proclaim the Gospel

October 9, 2022

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, I understand that how I handle the money  You give me reflects my relationship with You.  Don’t let me focus on money.  I know that demotes You from Your proper position in my life. 

Hymn 480

Morning Praise, front of hymnal page  45

 Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 14:8-24

Abram's actions underline two principles about our money and possessions.  They are gifts from God.  We are to give  a percentage of our wealth to spread the Good News of Jesus.  

8 Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboyim and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and drew up their battle lines in the Valley of Siddim 9 against Kedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of Goyim, Amraphel king of Shinar and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and when the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some of the men fell into them and the rest fled to the hills. 11 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. 13 A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. 17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,     Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And praise be to God Most High,  who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 1 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”

 Hymn 487:1-3

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

The person who knows what is valuable offers prayers for all.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.   

Hymn 487:4-5

Gospel: Luke 16: 1-13

This parable teaches us to use our money to spread the Gospel.

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 2 So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ 3 “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— 4 I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’5 “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’7 “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe? ’“‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ 8 “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Hymn 484

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:4–5 

4When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Theme:  "When the Time Had Fully Come"

Hymn 469 

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Continue on page 50, front of hymnal

Prayer: Lord God, You call us to work in Your kingdom/ & leave no one standing idle.  Help us to order our lives by Your wisdom/ & to serve You in willing obedience; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.   Amen.

Continue bottom page 50 51

Hymn 487: 6,7,8 

October 2, 2022

  St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Oct 2, 2022 - Pentecost Sunday 17

Sunday Theme -God is Patient

Today we are blessed to have Pastor John Eich from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alma, MI lead our worship service today. Pastor Eich will also be leading the worship on Monday morning for the Northern Michigan District Pastor Conference being held here at St. Paul’s Manistee. We welcome them all !

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for patiently applying Your forgiveness to my life every day even though I keep on sinning.  Thank  You for patiently shaping my life with Your Word even though I revert to  my own selfishness too often.

Hymn 392

Service of Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Lord, we pray that Your mercy & grace may always go before & follow after us/ that, loving You with undivided hearts,/ we may be ready for every good & useful work; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 32:1-14

 Moses asked for God’s patience in response to Israel’s sin. God is faithful  to His promises to forgive. 

“When the people saw that Moses was so long(He had been gone for a month)  in coming down from the mountain, they gathered  around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him." 2  Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt."  5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD." 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 7 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt. 8 They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ 9 “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”11 But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. 13 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” 14 Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Verse: Alleluia.  (Rom 15:4)  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Alleluia! (Sing) Alleluia! front of hymnal, page 30

Epistle: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

 God was patient with Paul.  He took a blasphemer/ persecutor & turned  him into a proclaimer of God’s mercy and unlimited patience.

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Hymn 263 (“gather sheep” reflects parable 1 in Gospel)                        

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 15: 1-10

    These parables show the value God places on each individual soul.

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

   Theme: "The Found are Left, the Lost are Found."

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 18

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32 

Special Prayers, Lord’s Prayer

Continue page 33,front of hymnal 

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other  WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith ( 1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with the ushers.  We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord,  with us and with our congregation.     

Hymn 339 during distribution

Continue page 36 front of hymnal               

Hymn 569 

September 25, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 16 - Sept 25, 2022  

Theme: Christianity Costs

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for all the benefits of being a member of Your family.  Lord, give me the wisdom to be open about my  faith and to live my godliness even though I know it will cost me.

Hymn  464 (Gospel Lesson)

Service of Word, front of hymnal, page 38

Prayer: Let Your continual mercy, O Lord,/ cleanse & defend Your Church; & because it cannot continue in safety without Your help,/ protect & govern it always by Your goodness; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit, / one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen. 

Old Testament Lesson: Proverbs 9: 8-12

True wisdom finds its beginning in respecting the one true God.

8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;  if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

Psalm 19, front of hymnal, page 70

 We see God’s glory in the works of nature & in His Word.

Epistle: Philemon 1: 1, 10-21

 Philemon would show his Christian faith by accepting Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother.

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker. 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

Hymn 428 (Gospel)

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 14: 25-33

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

Theme: Following Jesus means

1. Hating

2. Committing

         3. Fighting

Prayer: Lord help us to continue to hate what is necessary, commit what is necessary, and fight what is necessary so that we might continue to  follow Jesus.

Apostles Creed, front of hymnal, page 41

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this  area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. 

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, pg 42

Lord’s Prayer, page 43

Hymn 550 (Gospel) 

Continue page 43, front of hymnal

Hymn 510 (OT Lesson)

September 18, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

                        Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 15 - Sept 18, 2022  Theme  Humility

Prayer Before Worship – Lord, please motivate me to serve you with my whole life.

Hymn 231 

Common Service, page 15, front of hymnal

Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ,/ preserve the congregation of believers with Your never-failing mercy.  Help us avoid whatever is wicked & harmful, / & guide us in the way that leads to our salvation; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.    

(Sing) Amen.

Epistle: Hebrews 13: 1-8

We serve the Lord by living our lives for the benefit of (loving) the people around us

13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;     never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Replace Psalm with Hymn 779

Gospel: Luke 14: 1, 7-14

Christians are humble and generous without thought of repayment.

14 One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. 7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that 

when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Apostles' Creed, pg 19

Hymn 397

Sermon: Old Testament Lesson: Proverbs 25: 6,7

Self-exaltation has no place in the life of God’s child.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

  Theme: What are you worth?

1. On your own

{Lev 19:2}“Be holy because I the LORD your    God am holy.”  

              2. In Christ Jesus

Jeremiah.  (9:24) “Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth.” 

(2 Cor 12:9) “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power my rest on me.”  

1 Cor 1:31: “Let him who boasts, boast in the LORD.” 

Human beings on our own - _______________

Human beings in Christ - _________________    

Thankoffering 

The members of  St Paul's  have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this  area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the church, pg 127

Special Prayers

Lord's Prayer, pg 20

Hymn 491   

Continue page 25 front of hymnal 

Hymn 324

September 11, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 14 - Sept 11, 2022  Theme: Love Speaks Precisely

Prayer Before Worship: Lord Jesus, please let me love those around me by speaking Your truth precisely to them.    

Hymn 544

M: It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”

C: With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak.

M: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—

C: with great patience and careful instruction.

M: I Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

C: “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”

M: But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

C: Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Hymn 245 replaces “ O, come let us sing….

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah  66:18-24

The great dichotomy is clear. Those who see God’s sign will give him glory in eternity, but those who rebel against him will know the undying worm and unquenched fire. As we speak, love for souls leads us to speak precisely.

18 “And I, because of their actions and their imaginations, am about to come and gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see my glory. 19 “I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations— to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations. 20 And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nations, to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD—on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and camels,” says the LORD. “They will bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels. 21 And I will select some of them also to be priests and Levites,” says the LORD. 22 “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me,” declares the LORD, “so will your name and descendants endure. 23 From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the LORD. 24 “And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”

Verse: Alleluia. Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Alleluia. (Sing) Alleluia, pg 18.

Epistle: Romans 9:1-9

The Jewish nation had all the benefits, all the advantages, but not faith. All the emotions in the world cannot save, and Paul spoke clearly and precisely as to why. His love for them could not help but speak.

I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, 4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary,

“It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” 8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will

return, and Sarah will have a son.”

Hymn 356

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Love speaks with precision about the Narrow Door.

22 Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. 23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 25 Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don't know you or where you come from.’ 26 “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ 27 “But he will reply, ‘I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ 28 “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. 29 People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. 30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” 

Sermon Theme: Love Speaks Precisely that there is a Narrow Door

1. It  lets some in          

John 10: 7 - “I am the gate for the sheep.”  9 - “I am the gate; whoever  enters through me will be saved.” 

John 14:6 -  “I am the way;.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”    

II. –It keeps some out

Hymn 570

Thankoffering 

The members of St. Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the Church: M: Dear Father in heaven, with your gift of a Savior you restored hope for our fallen world and brought glory to your name. We thank you for the good news that you  reconciled the world to yourself through your Son.

C: Be with us as you give us opportunities to proclaim your glorious name of salvation in Jesus Christ our Savior.

M: O Jesus, Lamb of God, we praise you for offering yourself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of all. On the cross you declared the sacrifice for sins completed. At the open tomb, you assured the world that sinners are reconciled to God.

C: Be with us as you have promised, so that we may be bold and confident witnesses to our family members and friends.

M: Holy Spirit, blessed Counselor, use your Word of Truth and power to break down the barriers to our witness, including fallen mankind’s natural hatred for God and Satan’s wicked work among us.

C: Empower us by your gospel, and encourage us to speak precisely as we witness to the people among whom we live and work.

M: Hear us, Lord, as we bring you our private petitions.

Silent prayer

M: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, send us by the power of your Word into the mission fields beyond the walls of our church. Give us hearing ears and seeing eyes that seize the opportunities you set before us to be your witnesses.

C: Guide us, strengthen us, and bless us as we declare Christ to our world. Amen.    

Lord’s Prayer   Blessing page 51, front of hymnal     

Hymn 518

September 4, 2022

Leading us in worship and study today is Pastor Garrett Alford from Winona MN . He serves Goodview Trinity Lutheran Church which has 389 members.  Welcome Pastor Alford and family !

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 13 - Sept 4, 2022 

Sunday Theme: – The Word Divides

Prayer Before Worship  Lord, thank You for Your Word.  Please help me to be subject to it rather than to insert my opinions in it.

Hymn 413 (Faithfulness to Word causes difficulty)

Service of Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Almighty & merciful God,/ it is only by Your gift of grace that we come into Your presence/ & offer true & faithful service.  Grant that our worship on earth may always be pleasing to You/ & in the life to come/ give us the fulfillment of what You have promised;/ through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (Sing) Amen. 

Old Testament Lesson: Jeremiah 23:23-29

We should proclaim the Word faithfully in the face of opposition since God’s truth has the inherent power to crush false doctrine.

23 “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? 24 Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. 5 “I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name. They say, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26 How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds? 27 They think the dreams they tell one another will make my people forget my name, just as their ancestors forgot my name through Baal worship. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces.

Hymn 746

Gospel: Luke 12: 49-53

The truth about Christ will cause divisions.  This truth must be maintained & proclaimed at all costs.

49 “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Hymn 523 (Epistle)

Epistle: Hebrews 12:1-13 (Sermon Basis:1-3)

Hardship which we endure because of the Gospel is loving discipline from the heavenly Father.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined —and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  

Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the Church, front of hymnal, page 32

Special prayers

Lord’s Prayer, bottom of page 32

Continue page 33  front of hymnal               

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other  WELS or   ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified  to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with someone after worship or during the week.  We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation                       

Hymn 504 during distribution

Continue page 36, front of hymnal 

Hymn 420 (Epistle) 

August 29, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 12 -August 28, 2022

  Theme: Looking Ahead

Prayer Before Worship: Lord, thank You for all Your promises to me.  Help me to be confident and patient at the same time.  

Hymn 244 

Service of Word, front of hymnal, page 38

Prayer: Almighty & everlasting God,/ You are always more ready to hear than we to pray,/ & to give more than we either desire or deserve.  Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy,/ forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,/ & giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask,/ except through the merits & mediation of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,/ / who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  (Sing) Amen.

Old Testament Lesson: Haggai 1:2-14

The people always had too many things coming up to do.  As they looked to the future, they insisted they didn’t have time to do what God said they ought to be doing.  

2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.’” 3 Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: 4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” 5 Now this is whatthe Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 6 You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” 7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. 8 Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord. 9 “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. 10 Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. 11 I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.” 12 Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord. 14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God.

Hymn 755 (Gospel)

Gospel: Luke 12: 32-40

 Jesus tells us do not be afraid for the kingdom is ours.  We set our hearts  on this promise as we prepare and patiently wait for our Lord’s return.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Hymn 442 (Gospel)

Sermon Text: Epistle: Rev 3:1-6

As believers we look ahead to being perfect with the LORD in eternity.  That confidence must never lead us to be complacent & lethargic. 

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Theme: What do you see when you look ahead?

1. Short term: We will be actively holding on to the truth Lord Jesus, as I look ahead, I see that apathy is very possible for me.  Please continue to make me aware of the danger of losing what I have.   Through Your Word and Spirit empower me to actively hold onto Your truth.

2. Long term: We will be with the LORD in perfection LORD Jesus, keep my ears open and listening to what the Holy Your Spirit says to me through the Bible so that I keep seeing what You see when You look ahead: me with You in perfection forever.  

Apostle Creed, pg 41

Thankoffering 

The members of St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the church, pg 42; Lord's Prayer

Hymn 349 

Continue bottom of pg 43  

Hymn 406  (Gospel) 

August 21, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 11 - August 21, 2022  

Sunday Theme: Things above

Prayer Before Worship: Lord, thank You for blessing me so much here on earth.  Don’t let all those blessings divert my attention from You.

Hymn 471  

Common Service, front of hymnal, page 15

Prayer: O God,/ You reveal Your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy & kindness.  Grant us the full measure of Your grace/ that we may obtain Your promises/& become partakers of Your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord , / who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.  (Sing)Amen 

Old Testament Lesson: Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:18-26

Chasing after things in order to give purpose to our lives will result in concluding that everything is meaningless.  The key to being content is recognizing that all things come “from the Lord.”

“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless!    Everything is meaningless.” 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. 24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Verse: Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him: Alleluia!” (Sing) Alleluia!..... front of hymnal, page 18

Epistle: James 5:1-6

Acting as if life consists of things leads to all kinds of sins 

5 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you. 

Apostles’ Creed, front of hymnal, page 19

Hymn 355 (Gospel)

Sermon Text: Gospel: Luke 12: 13-21      

Christ’s parable of the foolish rich man points out that our security for time  & eternity rests only in Him.

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of  possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” 

Sermon Theme:  Of what does life consist?

1. Abundance of Possessions? 

 “Give us today our daily bread.”  

“everything that we need for our bodily well being.”

2. Personal Gratification 

Love your neighbor as yourself”(Matt 22:39).  

“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and     especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”(ITim 5:8)

“If you owe taxes, pay taxes.” (Rom 13:7) 

3. Being Rich toward God

(Sing) Create in me....pg20 

Thankoffering 

The members of  St Paul's have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry.  

Prayer of the Church, front of the hymnal, page 127     

Special Prayers 

Lord’s Prayer, page 20               

Hymn 417

Continue page 25, front of hymnal                        

Hymn 332

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again Graciously receive the greetings & introductions of our church family.

August 14, 2022

This week we were blessed to have Pastor Phil Hunter lead our worship service and bible class. Pastor Hunter, his wife Andrea, and their children, Henrietta, Frederick, and Tyson are here from Citrus Grove Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

 Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 10 August 14, 2022 

Sunday Theme: Talking to Jesus

Prayer Before Worship –  Lord, thank You for telling me I can talk to You about anything anytime anywhere.  Help me to remember to do that.   

Hymn 580 (reference to prayer vs 3)

Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45

Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 18:20-32

Abraham demonstrates the confidence all of us can have in bringing our  requests to the Lord. 

20 Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. 23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 26 The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” 27 Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, 28 what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?” “If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.” 29 Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?” He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?” He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

Verse: Hymn 408

Epistle: James 5:13-18

We are encouraged to talk to the LORD in all circumstances 

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Hymn 407

Gospel & Sermon Text: Luke 11:1-4

1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Theme: Your Father Guarantees You a Yes

Hymn 413

Thankoffering The members of  St Paul's  have  joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world.  Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry

Continue pg 50

Lord’s Prayer

Prayer of the day Hymn 412

Special Prayers

Continue page 50 Prayer for grace and pg 51

Hymn  411

All our guests are welcome to worship Jesus the Savior with us again.  Graciously receive the greetings & introductions of our church family.

August 7, 2022

St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901

website: stpaulsmanistee.com

facebook.com/SPLCManistee

Telephone: 231-299-1022

Pentecost 9 - August 7, 2022

Sunday Theme: Listening to Jesus

Prayer Before Worship - Lord, thank You for teaching us in Your Word. Please help me to take time to listen to You as You teach me there. But also lead me to pass along what I learn to the people around me in my life.

Hymn 221 Word and Sacrament, front of hymnal, page 26

Prayer: Grant us, Lord, the spirit to think & do what is right/ that we, who cannot do anything that is good without You,/ may by Your help be enabled to live according to Your will;/ through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord,/ who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever. (sing) Amen.

Epistle: Colossians 1:21-29

Paul’s task was to get people to listen to the Word of God

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Psalm 119a, front of hymnal, page 109

We seek the Lord with all our hearts by listening to God’s Word

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Mary is an example for us of listening to the Word of Jesus.

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Hymn 283

Sermon Text: Old Testament Lesson: Genesis 18:1-14

Abraham & Sarah listened to a wonderful promise of the Lord. How would we have reacted to such a promise?

18 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” 7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. 9 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. 10 Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

Theme: When God wants to talk to us

1. Are we ready

(2 Tim 3:16)“All Scripture is God-breathed.”

LORD Jesus, please help us do whatever it takes to get ready to listen to You.

He asks questions

LORD Jesus, thank You for asking us tough questions

He gives promises

(Gen 12:7) “To your offspring I will give this land.”

(Gen 13:6)“I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth.”

(Gen 15:4) “A son coming from your own body will be your heir

(Gen 17:16)“I will give you a son by Sarah.”

LORD Jesus, lead us to be ready when You want to talk to us so we get to hear the questions and promises

Nicene Creed, front of hymnal, page 31

Thankoffering The members of St Pauls have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this area & around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry

Prayer of the church, front of hymnal, page 32

Special prayers

Continue page 33 front of hymnal

Distribution of Lord’s Supper to the members of St Paul's & other WELS or ELS congregations who by their membership have indicated they are qualified to examine themselves (1 Cor 11:27-29) & to express oneness in faith (1 Cor 10:17). If you are a guest today & haven’t yet had the chance to express your agreement with us & would like to receive the Lord’s Supper together with us in the future, please speak with someone after worship We would be delighted to help you come to appreciate a “close” relationship with your Lord, with us and with our congregation

Hymn 288 during distribution

Continue page 36, front of hymnal, Hymn 333